A California teenager is recovering after a terrifying encounter with an aggressive sea lion while participating in a lifeguard training program off the coast of Long Beach. Phoebe Beltran, 14, was swimming approximately 25 feet from shore when the unexpected attack occurred, leaving her with more than a dozen puncture wounds on her arm.

Beltran initially believed she had been bitten by a shark, a fear that quickly turned into panic as she screamed for help. Her mother, witnessing the incident from the beach, described the moment as heart-wrenching, recalling how her daughter’s screams shattered her composure. The young girl was swiftly taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.

This disturbing incident follows a recent trend of escalating sea lion attacks in California. Just six months prior, another victim was attacked near San Diego and sustained significant injuries after a five-minute struggle with the animal. Experts attribute this unusual aggression in sea lions to a toxic algae bloom affecting their behavior. The bloom has been linked to seizures, lethargy, and, notably, increased hostility towards humans.

The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro has reported a record number of sea lion responses this year, with 256 cases already logged. Experts warn that the public should exercise caution around these normally peaceful animals, which may be exhibiting erratic behavior due to the environmental crisis.

As Beltran continues her recovery, her story serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of awareness when engaging with marine environments.